Resistance Training and Sex Hormone Concentrations During the Menstrual Cycle

Acute Effects of Resistance Training on Sex Hormone Concentrations on Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Although there are numerous studies showing effects of aerobic training on sex hormone concentrations, research analyzing the fluctuation of sex hormones in response to resistance training (RT) is lacking. The objective of this project is to analyze estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) responses to an acute resistance training session throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. This proposed research has strong implications for exercise prescription and for women in general, but more importantly will allow exercise physiologists, coaches, personal trainers, or nutritionists optimize exercise programming around women's menstrual cycle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Eumenorrheic females
• Age 18-45 years old
• BMI of 18.5-34.99 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Practice exercise more than 2 days/week in the last 3 months.
• Cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary or muscular-skeletal condition
• Taking medications that affect metabolism (e.g. oral contraceptives)
• Irregular menstrual cycles